Cedar Valley Graduation Reveals Golden Tickets

For this year’s graduates of Cedar Valley College, the term “Golden Ticket” has a whole new meaning beyond Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

At the May 11 ceremony, just before their degrees were conferred, CVC’s president reminded graduates of what he had told them during graduation rehearsal two days earlier.

“The degree you receive is not only about you and your tremendous achievement,” Dr. Joseph Seabrooks told the graduates. “It is also an opportunity to bring others with you on this incredible journey to success.”

Dr. Seabrooks instructed graduates to open their diploma jackets. There, to their pleasant surprise, they found a “Golden Ticket” that can be redeemed for a three-credit course at CVC. It can be used by anyone who hasn’t been a CVC student during the past 12 months.

“Please consider giving it to your mother, father, brother, sister, nephew, niece, cousin or anyone else close to you who would benefit from a college education,” he said. “One of the greatest gifts we can give is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in other people’s lives.”

Cedar Valley College had more than 400 students walk across the stage for graduation, the highest number in the history of the institution.

This special gift to graduates coincides with the launch of Cedar Valley’s 40th anniversary year. CVC held its first classes in June 1977. The theme for the year-long celebration is “Celebrate. Empower. Educate.”

“The Golden Ticket is a great way to help launch our 40th celebration,” Dr. Seabrooks added. “I personally invite everyone in the community to help us commemorate this milestone year for Cedar Valley. We are planning numerous events and activities with the goal of raising scholarship funds for our students. It is a special time to be a CVC Sun.”